Training for first organized ride

[hirakukibou]

I agree with Lauren, I think if you are going to be doing long distances, clipless pedals would be the way to go. I had the same experiences where the LBS put me on the trainer and I clipped in and out until I was comfortable. Although I wasn't as skilled or lucky as Lauren in that I did fall eventually, it wasn't bad and my partner looked at me and said "Congratulations, now you are a real cyclist!" There is a lot of info on pedals in the threads here, good luck on that and on your big ride.

[alpinerabbit]

You are ready when you get your first foot burn and when you run out of quads for the first time. This means you have more muscle at your disposition with clips (or cages); as said above Sneakers do not have the rigid sole required of shoes appropriate for cycling distance.

Boy was I sorry for the sneakered types at local rides when they were shaking out their numb, burning feet.

[Southside Sally]

I started riding this year, and began with the clips. I fell over the first time out when I unclipped on the left at a stop and promptly leaned right. Scraped up my knee a bit, but it scared me so that it took another 8 months for me to get back on. I just finally got mad at myself because I had this great bike that I was too scared to ride. So, I got on, and rode loops in my neighborhood until I got to 6 miles. Last month I started riding with a local group and it has taken me 3 or 4 more rides to where I feel perfectly comfortable on my bike, clips and all.

Best of luck!